Quick and Easy Mary Berry Recipes

# mary makes it easy

Balancing a hectic work schedule with family life can be challenging, especially when it comes to meal preparation in the Summer Holidays. As a busy working parent, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals for your family can feel like an impossible task. Fortunately, Mary Berry, the beloved British food writer and television presenter, offers a treasure trove of recipes that are not only quick and easy but also incredibly tasty. In this article, we’ll explore some of Mary Berry’s best recipes that will help you serve up delightful meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Choose Mary Berry Recipes?

 

Mary Berry is a household name in the world of cooking, known for her simple yet flavorful recipes. Her cooking philosophy revolves around using fresh, readily available ingredients to create meals that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, Mary Berry’s recipes are designed to be approachable and achievable, making them perfect for busy parents.

Following her most recent cook book ‘Mary Makes it Easy’, I’ll share below my favourite Mary Berry Recipes.

Breakfast Bliss: Mary Berry’s Quick Pancakes

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it can often be the most rushed. Mary Berry’s quick pancakes are a lifesaver for busy mornings. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of fluffy pancakes that your kids will love.

Ingredients:

• 125g plain flour
• 1 egg
• 300ml milk
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Make a well in the centre and crack the egg into it.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until you have a smooth batter.
4. Heat a little butter or oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
5. Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface.
6. Flip the pancake and cook until golden brown on both sides.
7. Serve with your favourite toppings, such as fresh fruit, honey, or yoghurt.

My attempt at Mary Berry Pancakes; of course with a good helping of syrup!

Lunchtime Magic: Mary Berry’s Chicken Caesar Salad

Lunchtime can be a hectic part of the day, but Mary Berry’s Chicken Caesar Salad is a quick and nutritious option that will keep you fueled and satisfied. This classic salad is packed with flavour and can be prepared in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 slices of day-old white bread, crusts removed, cubed
• 1 romaine lettuce heart, sliced
• 30g/1oz Parmesan cheese, shaved
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• grilled chicken

For the dressing

• 6 tbsp light mayonnaise
• 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ garlic clove, crushed
• a few drops of Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Fry the bread in a little olive oil until crispy, around 3-4 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon to drain and season with salt and pepper, set aside.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, sliced chicken, grated Parmesan.
3. Mix all dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad. Add the croutons.
4. Serve immediately for a fresh and delicious lunch.

Original recipe taken from BBC Food. I added the chicken as I feel the Caesar salad wouldn’t quite be the same without it!

Photo Courtesy of @nima_naseri

Dinner Delight: Mary Berry’s Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry

When it comes to dinner, nothing beats the convenience of a stir fry. Mary Berry’s Thai Basil Beef stir fry is a quick and easy dinner from her Mary Makes it Easy recipe book with minimal effort and clean-up. Plus, it’s packed with vegetables and lean protein, making it a wholesome choice for your family. If you can’t find Thai basil (which I never can) the recipe suggests swapping with mint.

Sweet Treat: Mary Berry’s Lemon Drizzle Cake

No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and Mary Berry’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is the perfect way to end your day on a high note. This recipe has been inspired by the various versions of Mary Berry’s cake and is light, zesty, and incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 225g self-raising flour
• 225g caster sugar
• 225g butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 100g granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf tin.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Fold in the self-raising flour and lemon zest until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake is baking, mix the lemon juice and granulated sugar to make the drizzle.
8. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the lemon drizzle over the top.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the tin before slicing and serving.

Why not try some of my other favourite bakes such as my Dark Chocolate Guiness Cupcakes

or my Nanna’s Sunday Sponge if you’re in the mood for baking?

Photo courtesy of @julissa_capdevilla

 

Mary makes it easy …

Mary Berry’s recipes are a fantastic resource for busy parents looking to create delicious, healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen. From quick breakfasts to satisfying dinners and delightful desserts, these recipes offer something for every meal of the day. By incorporating these easy and tasty creations into your meal planning, you can ensure that your family enjoys nutritious and flavorful dishes, even on the busiest of days.

So, why not give these recipes a try? With Mary Berry’s guidance, you can bring a touch of culinary magic to your kitchen and make mealtime a more enjoyable and stress-free experience for everyone.

Do you have a favourite recipe from the new book? Or any other Mary Berry Favourites?

Isy xx